In case you missed the memo,  international doctors who are working in Australia can now more easily stay permanently. The government has recognised the contribution that medical specialists have made during the COVID-19 pandemic and is encouraging them to apply for permanent residence. Doctors are highly valued, and retaining international medical graduates will greatly help Australia’s economic recovery.

In addition, fully vaccinated eligible temporary and provisional visa holders can now enter Australia without a travel exemption.

These visa changes will improve access to permanent residence for:

  • Existing Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa holders in the short-term stream
  • Legacy Temporary Work Skilled (subclass 457) visa holders who no longer meet the age requirement.

There are many doctors currently working in Australia, and plenty who have been waiting to enter to work, including specialists in regional and rural areas. This pathway enables doctors to come and to stay, with a pathway to Australian citizenship.

The Government will also extend visas for skilled regional (provisional visa) holders (subclass 489, 491 and 494) in recognition that doctors have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 related travel restrictions.​ This will provide additional time to meet regional work requirements for permanent residence.

In recognition of ongoing border arrangements, the Government will also extend by a further six-months the Visa Application Charge waivers for new visitor visa applicants overseas-where their visa expired, or will expire, between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2022.

This means that families of doctors who have visitor visas lined up can come without having to pay or apply again if they meet this criteria.

If you’re a doctor in Australia, or you want to come to Australia, please contact Angela for a chat about this process: angela.shaw@hospitalstaff.co.nz

We’re always happy to help!

For the latest information regarding the Australian border reopening visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/visa-information